Volunteer Voices

With the current situation of the United States in Iraq one can only second guess your decision to go to the Middle East. Volunteering gives the volunteer the perfect opportunity to give people from foreign countries "true insight" into the citizens of the countries they are from. At the project daily gave me an opportunity as well to better understand the world around me. Working together with so many other volunteers from around the globe visually explained to the people that we can all work together. To cooperate, listen, and understand other people point of view and interests. The Egyptian friends I was able to make will hopefully be friends for life. In our conversations I learned much about the history and cultural diversity of this ancient country. It was easy to feel very comfortable amongst all these people as they were extremely friendly, funny and welcoming. At camp my schedule was a rotation of one day in the kitchen, another in sewing class, and lastly tree planting. These activities were always full of many children eager to learn more about you and to somewhat help. It would be impossible not to enjoy this work with a smile on your face. The language barrier of communication at camps like this is up to the volunteer to work at. Trying to communicate in Arabic showed the children that I cared to communicate thus sparking their curiosity in my language of English. Again, this just shows that we can work together. The fun you can have with an experience like this regrets you to face that last day of goodbyes. The people and the memories you shared together with them although brief will be in the minds and hearts of both forever. Fortunately, I could close this camp sad to say goodbye to Egypt, but eager for the new faces and challenges of Kenya."

Kirk Chauncey ~ Egypt 2005